The NSW Nationals have slammed the Minns Labor Government for failing farmers who are still waiting for crucial support 100 days on from the devastating floods in the Hunter, Mid-North, and North Coast regions.
New data has revealed less than a quarter of the applications for the $75,000 category D disaster grants have been approved, leaving hundreds of primary producers struggling to operate.
There are also concerns that successful applicants are only given an initial $5,000 payment up front before having to provide full proof of payment to unlock the remaining $70,000.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the delays are nothing short of a disgrace.
“So many farmers are really hurting right now, and they’re being made to feel like they have to fight tooth and nail with the Minns Labor Government to get the support they need,” Mr Saunders said.
“On top of how pathetically slow it’s been to get the money out the door, the feedback I’m getting is the application process is far too complex and people are constantly being asked for more paperwork, which is just adding to the trauma they are already facing.”
“Asking farmers to pay the money upfront with the hope of claiming it back doesn’t make sense given some have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in cattle, crops, fencing, equipment, and income.”
Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery, Geoff Provest, said there are also concerns staff cuts at the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) will further exacerbate the situation.
“At a time where half the state has been under water and people are seeking help, it’s hard to see how the Minns Government could possibly justify these job losses that will mean less hands-on deck to actually work through the applications,” Mr Provest said.
“These are the people responsible for the delivery of grants, loans, transport subsidies and emergency fodder. They are key to our frontline response and crucial to recovery and we need to make sure there won’t be any further setbacks because of this decision.”
Nationals Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, said the bungled rollout goes against providing people with genuine assistance.
“Our farmers have been waiting weeks in silence for help and many are on the brink of walking away because this government has forgotten them.”
“This week Labor announced a $110 million deal to save Leichhardt and Campbelltown Ovals but is refusing to roll out what’s needed after the floods which is a complete slap in the face.”
While the primary producer grants were uplifted to $75,000 after sustained pressure by the Coalition, small businesses support is still capped at $25,000.
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, said the Premier needs to prove he didn’t just turn up for a photo op and start making good on his word.
“Chris Minns has seen the impact of this with his own eyes. He stood in Pulteney Street Arcade in Taree, looked business owners in the eye and said this was worse than Lismore, yet they can only access a much smaller amount of assistance,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Our small businesses have been through a truly life-alerting event, and yet here they are 100 days later still wondering if the Premier will finally give them what was promised.”
Nationals Member for the Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said it has been an emotional few months for all those impacted.
“Our communities have been through so much since the devastating floods and the Minns Labor Government hasn’t given them a fighting chance to get back on their feet.”
“First residents, businesses and farmers were playing the postcode lottery where several impacted areas were left in the lurch, and now they’re being made to jump through unrealistic hoops and hurdles, which just isn’t good enough.”
